Sweet love story ( )

While not my favorite PCH book, this is a really cute story and a quick read. I didn't really care much for the main character Ella- I just didn't connect with her but I loved the overall simpleness of a good love story. ( )

It was a little slow going at first. I wasn't sure I liked the two main characters. I wanted to finish it because I want to read The Bookshop at Water's Edge and I know one of the characters introduced in The Idea of Love is in this book. Anyhow, I got to a certain point and couldn't put the book down. I loved how the characters grew and came into their own. They were better people by the end of the book. ( )

4.5 stars.

The Idea of Love by Patti Callahan Henry is a sweet, light-hearted novel that is very charming. The unusual premise is fun and flirty but it is the characters that make it such an enjoyable read.

Hunter Adderman (aka Blake Hunter) has been traveling from place to place looking for inspiration for his next screenplay. His last two scripts were flops and he is now suffering from terrible writer's block. His journey has taken him to a small town in South Carolina, and he is instantly charmed by Ella Flynn, a woman he meets outside a local cafe. He is immediately captivated by her tragic love story and he writes a screenplay based on the tale she told him. The only problem? Ella's story is just as false as his but since the two are never going to see one another once Hunter returns to CA, they do not come clean about their white lies. Neither of them counted on their friendship turning into what might be love but can a relationship that is based on a series of untruths last once the truth is revealed?

Ella was blissfully happy and completely content in her marriage until a devastating secret turns her life upside down. She is trying to get on with her life but she is really just marking time until she can return to her old one. When she meets Hunter, the tale she spins for him is really what she wants her life to be. One lie leads to another and although she comes close to confessing the truth, Ella just cannot bring herself to ruin a friendship that brings her a little happiness. Unfortunately, she has to return to real life when her brief time with Blake ends and surprisingly, Ella finds the courage to stand up for herself and claim what is rightfully hers.

Blake's life is just as messy as Ella's and revitalizing his career is hopefully just the first step in getting his life back on track. A few years earlier, he was on top of the world until a drunken decision brought everything crashing down around him. He is now divorced and although he does not miss his wife, Blake is desperately trying to repair his relationship with his teenage daughter. Once he returns to L.A., he is on his way to reviving his career and after taking Ella's advice to heart, he begins to make a concerted effort to fix his troubled relationship with his daughter. But it is not until he finalizes the screenplay that Blake realizes how he truly feels about Ella, but will she forgive him for his deceit?

The Idea of Love by Patti Callahan Henry is an entertaining novel that has a surprising amount of depth and substance. Ella and Blake are well-developed and although flawed, they are quite appealing. The storyline is cute and refreshing unique. A quick read with characters whose friendship provides them the opportunity to reflect on life and love which ultimately allows them to love again. Perfection!

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I started this book a while back but put it aside so I could read something else. I finally picked it back up and it was wonderful. It was an easy read which is always nice but it had a good if predictable plotline. The characters were cute especially the apartment neighbor, Mimi. She had good advice but also at times could be funny which was nice. I did keep hoping the main female character would come to her senses and quit lying. I really like Patti Callahan Henry and I plan on reading more of her books.